Performance In Numbers

599 minutes played, 1 assist: Seven-figure Leeds United exit proving to be inspired choice

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Image for 599 minutes played, 1 assist: Seven-figure Leeds United exit proving to be inspired choice

Leif Davis opted to leave Leeds United on a permanent basis in the summer, and his performances so far for Ipswich Town are proving that the move was worthwhile.

Plenty of fringe players sealed moves away from Leeds in the summer, but not many were on long-term deals with their new clubs.

However, left-back Leif Davis saw an opportunity open up in the shape of League One promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town, sealing a £1million move after returning from Leeds’ pre-season tour of Australia.

Leaving Leeds significantly light at left-back, it might have been seen as a gamble from him to take the plunge down two divisions, but his pursuit of quality game time has yielded results under new manager Kieran McKenna.

Already this season, Davis has mustered 599 minutes for the Tractor Boys, which is already more than half of what he managed in 2020/21, and while at Bournemouth in 2021/22 (via Wyscout).

The quality of his performances also exemplifies that he’s made the right move heading to Suffolk, sitting top of the table after nine games on goal difference, boasting the joint-best defence in the league (conceding just six).

Do Leeds still need a left-back in January?

Yes

Yes

No

No

In that time, Davis has played largely as a left-wing-back, getting the most out of his attacking quality with one assist so far, a pinpoint cut-back cross to Conor Chaplin away to Shrewsbury.

Playing in high areas, his passing accuracy hasn’t been totally perfect at 74.9%, but with the onus on him to get forward, he’s clearly moving the ball about well, and that was never even an issue when he played for us in either the Championship or Premier League.

He’s coped well with his defensive duties too, managing a success rate of 51.8% in defensive duels, while averaging 4.51 interceptions and an impressive 8.86 recoveries per 90 minutes.

All in all, Davis’ performances so far have shown a well-rounded player more than capable of playing in the Championship this season, and one that will be relishing the challenge next season if his side can keep up their brilliant start and climb back into the second tier.

There might have been worries about letting him leave when no left-back was signed in the summer, but as he’s showing at Ipswich by actually playing every week, it’s been a no-brainer of a decision.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.